Dennis Valbjørn Christensen

Describe your field of work and current role 
I am a senior scientist at the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage at the Technical University of Denmark. My research is focused on synthesizing new materials for energy conversion and storage and visualizing their functional properties using quantum sensing, in particular quantum magnetic microscopy.

What has your path been from starting at university until today?
I completed my bachelor’s (2009) and master’s (2012) degree in Nanoscience at the University of Copenhagen with external stays at Harvard University (2010) and U. C. Berkeley (2011). Following the completion of my master’s degree, I spent a year with volunteer work and adventures around the world, which included replanting corals in Columbia, biking across Zambia and hiking from the Pacific to Caribbean Ocean. I then completed a PhD (2017) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) with an external stay at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, while running innovation activities on transparent conductors on the side. Upon completion of my PhD, I was offered a tenure track position and later a permanent position as senior researcher at DTU Energy, which also offered the possibility for external stays at the University of Basel and Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. With the support of two personal grants (NNF Nerd & DFF Sapere Aude) as well as collaborative grants, I synthesize new energy materials and explore novel ways of visualizing their interior processes using magnetic microscopy.

What can be done to strengthen applied STEM research & innovation in Denmark?
Translating scientific research to the benefit of society is essential for ensuring technological and economic growth in Denmark. This aspect can be achieved to an even greater extent by strengthening the collaboration between stakeholders, in particular by 1) improving the interactions between academia and industry, and 2) strengthening tech innovation by matchmaking innovation-hungry students with researchers.

What will you use your YATSI membership for?
I will seek to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration both within YATSI and externally with a particular focus on facilitating collaborations between industry and academia as well as between researchers and students. I will also actively work on forming a solid foundation for YATSI to grow on during the first founding years, as well as enhancing its visibility externally. Lastly, I also hope to meet future colleagues, build lasting relationships and provide a public voice with a young perspective on timely matters such as the green transition.

Who's the person behind the member?
I live on Amager with my girlfriend and 2-year-old son. In addition to enjoying the little family, I also spend my time on various social activities, traveling and kayaking in the canals of Copenhagen.